Announcing Winter Term

Registration Opens Today December 2 at 9:00 am!

We proudly offer you your choice of 92 wonderful classes this winter. We have 74 classes meeting in person and 18 held online—with the addition of 17 brand new courses from Osher Online with Northwestern University again this term. Our beautiful new winter brochure will be arriving in your mailbox very soon, if it hasn’t already done so. If you just can’t wait, please click the link below for a PDF version. We’ve added a handy calendar to help you plan your January to February days to keep the winter blues away. How will you decide what NOT to take this term?!

Meet Our New Winter Term Instructors!

Celia Ward

Painting Art Studio

Celia Ward is a native Utahn who grew up in Ogden and was exposed to her painter mother’s interest in art. Her interest in art, including art history and painting, has remained with her all her life. Traveling often is something she enjoys and she likes to paint from her own photographs. Europe and Utah provide wonderful memories and an endless supply of subjects to paint. After retiring from a career as a school and city librarian and after her children were on their own, Celia returned to Utah from California to be with family. Reading, painting, and traveling are her passions, including ballet lessons for senior citizens provided by Ballet West. Utah is a pretty great place to be retired. Join Celia this winter for Painting Art Studio on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at our Arapeen Drive location.

Sandi Cameron-Greene

The Art of Change: 8 Weeks to Making a Meaningful Shift in Your Life

Sandi Cameron-Greene is a certified reinvention life coach, passionate yogi, and devoted meditator. With a deep love for nature, she embraces the beauty of the outdoors, in both personal and professional life. After a fulfilling career as an Administrative Director at the University of Utah, Sandi has transitioned into a role that truly resonates with her heart and soul—guiding individuals on their journeys of self-discovery. With a unique ability to help others peel back the layers of their experiences, Sandi is dedicated to illuminating the path to one’s true self. She believes in the inherent magnificence within everyone and works to empower people to recognize and embrace their authentic selves. Sandi inspires individuals to live a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Join her for The Art of Change on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:00 pm on Zoom.

Charlie Belusa

Beginning Bridge

Charlie Belusa has been addicted to bridge since she began playing in 2012. She is a local bridge player and director, and a Life Master through the American Contract Bridge League. Charlie plays bridge casually with friends and has played competitively throughout the US and Canada. Her objective at the bridge table and in the classroom is to uncomplicate the game as much as possible, and to help others learn to love it as much as she does. When Charlie isn’t focused on bridge, she’s focused on writing, or on spending time with friends--many of whom she’s met at bridge tables. Join Charlie to learn Beginning Bridge on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at our Arapeen Drive location.

Michael Louis Austin

Ukulele for Beginners

Michael Louis Austin has been a music instructor for 20 plus years. He has toured the United States three time as the lead and rhythm guitarist of Las Vegas' award-winning Rock band The All-Togethers. He teaches guitar, ukulele, bass, and vocals. Michael has a degree in guitar performance from McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul Minnesota. He has opened up for bands such as The Steep Canyon Rangers, Billy Strings, Taylor Ashton, Cracker, Nada Surf, Everclear, and the Spin Doctors. He has released a full album of all original music titled Radio in 2015 and has released eight new singles produced by Thaddeus Corea (Son of Jazz legend Chick Corea). Join Michael this winter Ukulele for Beginners on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at our Arapeen Drive location.

Special Events

A Tour of the World-Famous Salt Lake City Main Library

Enjoy this special opportunity to view Audubon's The Birds of America series, take a look at some of the treasures in the Special Collections Reading Room, and visit the secure storage area of Periodicals which houses the library’s oldest volumes. Weather permitting, we’ll visit the remodeled roof and see the city views from a different angle. We’ll also get a tour of the Book Sale room from the Friends of the City Library president, Luana Chillili. And if you don't already have a city library card, you will be able to get one at the event! 

Friday, January 10 at 2:00 pm

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Thursday, January 2

Special Events with Fees

Fine Foods for All Palates - A Tasting at Caputo's Downtown

Caputo's can be an overwhelming experience - hundreds of chocolate bars, dozens of cheeses, tons of tins, and oodles of bottled goods wait patiently to be taken home to a pantry near you. The paradox of choice can be paralyzing in a store like Caputo's and the willingness to spend hard earned cash on something we might not be familiar with can be risky. This tasting class will explore the most decadent, most intimidating, and most worthy foods begging to be explored. We'll taste, talk about their uses and unique stories, and help make shopping at Caputo's more delightful and less overwhelming.

Sunday, December 8 at 5:00 pm

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Thursday, December 5

Lunch & Learn - Wednesdays at Noon

Announcing Our New Winter Term Series!

Thanks to dedicated Osher volunteer Sandy Clark, we have another excellent set of six FREE Lunch & Learn lectures for winter term. Please tell a friend! Plan to join us on Zoom or at our watch party at 540 Arapeen Drive in Room 238 for all six sessions.

Topaz, Utah: Lessons Learned and Unlearned

January 22, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Scott Bassett, Topaz Museum Board Member and Docent

Migraine: A Neurogenetic Disorder, Not Just a Headache           

January 29, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Dr. Dan Henry, Founder and President, Danielle Byron Henry Migraine Foundation, and Elizabeth Henry Weyher

Keeping Busy After Retirement

February 5, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Jeanine Wilson, Society for Human Resource Management & Service Corps of Retired Executives

Social Isolation and Loneliness: The Significance of Friendship in Later Years

February 12, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Dr. Michael Chang, PhD, Associate Professor in Human Development & Family Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Note: THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE RECORDED

Virtual Tour of the New Utah State Historical Museum

February 19, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Tim Glenn, Inaugural Director of the Museum of Utah

Downtown Salt Lake City

February 26, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm

By Dee Brewer, Executive Director of the Downtown Alliance, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce

Our Osher Community

Healthy People, Healthy Planet Symposium

Did you miss the Osher Center for Integrative Health’s recent and EXCELLENT symposium, Healthy People, Healthy Planet? Never fear! It is now available for FREE on their YouTube Channel. Enjoy specialized video lectures, guided meditations, yoga therapy sessions, and experiential learning presentations from medical experts at the eleven academic health centers funded by The Bernard Osher Foundation. Our own beloved instructor, Dr. David Derezotes was proudly among them. Over 1,800 people attended! The Osher Collaborative amplifies the collective impact of the eleven Osher Centers on health and well-being for all.

Meet Our New Graduate Intern:

Welcome Lisa West!

Lisa West holds a BA in Religious Studies from the University of Utah and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work while interning with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. As a passionate lifelong learner, Lisa not only looks forward to participating in classes but is also dedicated to fostering a sense of community and volunteerism at Osher. Lisa is committed to diversity and social justice and is eager to contribute to expanding special events and shared interest groups, welcoming your ideas to help bring them to life. Whether you're looking for support within Osher or beyond, she is a valuable resource for connecting you with the right opportunities. Lucky for us, Lisa will be with us for the upcoming 2025 winter and spring terms.

Lisa’s interests include people, dogs, family, reading, nature, and thought-provoking ideas. Look for her on Mondays and Thursdays in the hallways before and after classes and in the Osher Lounge area in Room 233 where we serve complimentary hot beverages in the mornings and offer a book exchange and bulletin board. Lisa likes to call this room the “Osher hub” so be sure to stop by to say hello!

Our Campus Community

HELP: The U of U Hospital Elder Life Program—Seeks Volunteers!

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) works with patients 70 years and older at the University of Utah Hospital. The patients they serve are at risk for developing delirium and experiencing functional decline. They help patients stay as mentally clear and physically strong as possible throughout their hospital stay. Their volunteers spend time with the patients 1:1, get to know them, and provide meaningful ways for patients to engage, reduce stress, and heal. Many of the HELP volunteers say that their weekly hospital volunteer shift is the best part of their week. Volunteering with HELP is meaningful, fun, and volunteers learn a lot. HELP trains volunteers, and they ask for a commitment of a four-hour shift every week. Interested? Email Lauren Chamberlain at lauren.chamberlain@hsc.utah.edu